Resolutions for Menopausal Women

Change you can feel good about.

The North American Menopause Society

Photograph: Skip ODonnell

Change your mind and body
Women are often so focused on looking their best on the outside that they forget how important it is to be healthy on the inside. Remember that strong bodies come in all shapes and sizes with varied packaging. Having a healthy body image starts with positive thinking and continues with beneficial lifestyle choices. So start off 2011 with some simple but effective strategies:

Change your habits
Quitting smoking is the most important disease-prevention strategy a smoker can make. Check out the bevy of resources from the National Cancer Institute for free support and to set up a quit plan.

Alcohol consumption is another habit that can often use a change, especially if you have more than 3 to 7 drinks a week. Cutting back or abstaining can help you reduce calories, improve sleep or get along better with your family. Visit healthfinder.gov to learn more about the benefits of drinking in moderation.

Finally, working out is the single most important good habit you can embrace. What are your plans? Even simply taking a daily walk can have a tremendous impact on your body. Shoot for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Change your future
Since science has yet to discover the fountain of youth, women need to be proactive in managing their health in 2011 and beyond. One way to do that is to assess risk for common health issues related to aging and menopause. Here are two simple, linkable risk tests that can help women prioritize this effort:

Take a one-minute test created by the International Osteoporosis Foundation to help determine osteoporosis risk.

Try a self-assessment for women on cardiovascular disease from the Stanford Research Center.

Change your changeA woman’s attitude toward menopause can have a tremendous impact on the whole transition experience. For instance, the more negative a woman’s thoughts are about hot flashes, the more intense they may be.

It has been shown that changing those negative thoughts and attitudes may reduce menopause-related symptoms. Even in the face of discomfort, women consistently say that altering their outlook helps. For tips on how to transform the menopause experience into a positive one, visit the NAMS website.